Congo, The German Shepherd May Die Tomorrow - UPDATES & PETITION
Posted on 2007 under Crimes Against Canines, Furbabies in Need of Help, Just Sad :(, Laws & Legislation, News & Updates |12 Nov
PLEASE SEE ANY UPDATES ON CONGO BELOW AND SIGN THE PETITION!
UPDATE 11/15 - Congo Released to the James - But the Fight is NOT Over - read the full story below!
I posted this story a couple of days ago and it has gotten alot of attention. Congo, the German shepherd who was protecting his owner, Elizabeth James when he felt she was being attacked has been judged vicious and ordered to be killed!
You can read the original post here and the full story here
I just got this email and the news is not good.
HEARTBREAKING!!! PLEASE READ BELOW AND FORWARD TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW:
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 5:20 PM
Subject: URGENT!!!! Congo Lost in Court - PLS CALL NJ GOV CORZINE TO OVERRIDE !!
** PLEASE CROSSPOST & FORWARD **
CONGO THE GSD lost his court case today. Judge upheld the death sentence.
EVERYONE PLEASE WRITE & CALL
New Jersey Gov.Corzine
Urge him to OVERRIDE CONGO’s DEATH SENTENCEGov.’s office is taking a numerical tally on how many people call - please call him
Office of the Governor PO Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 292-6000
email by going to his site: http://www.nj.gov/governor/govmail.html
(Choose “Law & Public Safety” on Drop-down list and on the next page, choose “Pardons & Clemency”)NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS ESPECIALLY NEEDED!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!
NY and PA residents also especially helpful… but EVERY CALL FROM ANYWHERE COUNTS!!
PLEASE EMAIL AND CALL… DO NOT LET CONGO DIE!!!
For those not familiar with Congo’s case:
- Two landscapers/gardeners, illegal immigrants, were working at the family’s house
- They arrived an hour early
- They were told by the husband to stay in their truck until he could get out of the shower and get some clothes on and put the dogs away
- The husband speaks Spanish and spoke to them in Spanish so there is no question they understand what they were told to do
- They directly disobeyed the husband and walked into the yard where the wife had just pulled into the driveway
- The two adult German Shepherds and their puppies came running
- The gardeners panicked
- ONE GARDENER GRABBED THE WIFE AND WRESTLED HER TO THE GROUND, USING HER AS A PROTECTIVE SHIELD
- Congo thought his owner was being attacked and went after the gardener
- The gardener used his rake to beat at the puppies and inflicted some injuries on them
- The gardener changed his story three times (interesting note on official bias: when the owner said the gardener changed his story five times, the dog warden said “No, he only changed his story 3 times.”)
Additional Contact Info if you’re having a hard time getting through
FAX~609-924-5902
Office of the Governor
South Jersey Office
856-614-3200
Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-6000
Governor’s aide
609-924-5902
PLEASE call. They really ARE monitoring calls. If you know of your local ordinances pertaining to bites on private property, or bites involving protection of property, PLEASE LET THEM KNOW!!!! When they were informed them of Florida law, they just said “UH OH” and that they didn’t know about that type of law. If an animal in Florida bites a person on private property, or in the course of protecting life or property, the owner is absolved of responsibility for the action since it was not a direct result of the owners irresponsibility.
CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS AND SEE IF YOURS ARE SIMILAR!!!!!!!!
If you have contacts with Animal Control Officers, or Law Enforcement K9 handlers, please have them call!!!!
Please, get the word out and do whatever you can!!
UPDATES on Congo
11/13/08 - Congo’s death sentence still stands (see news to note below). Gov. Corzine has not announce anything yet but more likely after his PBS interview this Thursday. Here are some more action updates for Congo in case anyone missed it.
ACTION UPDATES:
FOR THOSE IN THE US– KEEP CALLING TH E GOVERNOR. THEY’RE NOT ASKING QUESTIONS, JUST MAKING TALLY. PLEASE CALL THE GOV’S OFFICE:
(609) 292-6000 (office hours: 8am-6pm Eastern time)
Here’s what you can say: “Hi, I’m calling to ask the Governor to override Congo’s death sentence. He should NOT be killed.” The operator will then thank you and tell you that they’re just taking a tally and will count your support for Congo. If nothing happens today, keep calling tomorrow please.
* Please Sign the Petition to Save Congo!
* GOV. CORZINE’S Q&A RE CONGO ON PBS (please send comments):
LIVE !!! GOVERNOR CORZINE WILL HAVE A CALL-IN /EMAIL QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2007 8 PM PBS CHANNEL 13 NYC/NJ AREA PLEASE GO TO http://www.nj.com/mailforms/askcorzine/ TO ASK HIM TO INTERVENE ON BEHALF OF ALL NJ PROPERTY OWNERS TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS, TO SAFEGUARD THEIR HOMES & FAMILIES &TO SAVE CONGO’S LIFE FOR DOING JUST THAT FOR HIS OWNER & HIS FAMILY.
* The Gov.’s office is taking a numerical tally on ho w many people call - please call him at (609) 292-6000, email by going to his site: http://www.nj.gov/governor/govmail.html Choose “Law & Public Safety” on Drop-down list and on the next page, choose “Pardons & Clemency”
*Photos from 11/13 rally for Congo
UPDATE - 11/15/07
This came from one of our commenters - Thanks Mike!
As per Casey Bartholomew of the Casey and Rossi Show on NJ 101.5, Congo is going to be able to go home to his family, albeit only temporary. The poor thing was slowly dying from stress and depression, so at least that’s a step in the right direction. I hope it’s the start of many positive steps.
Please keep on calling and emailing and faxing! Keep the pressure on and let them know that we are all watching and waiting for the right thing to be done, for Congo to be home with his family… permanently!
From today’s, 11/15, Central Jersey News
Judge’s order will allow Congo to go home
A Superior Court judge signed a consent order to free Congo the German shepherd Thursday afternoon, meaning that the Princeton Township dog, which was declared vicious and condemned to death by a lower court judge on Tuesday for biting and scratching a landscaper, is expected to be released to his owners’ custody while his case continues to be appealed.
Congo has been held at the SAVE — A Friend to Homeless Animals shelter in the township.
The consent order includes several conditions, chief among them that Congo must wear a muzzle whenever he is outside his owners’ Stuart Road West house. Also, Congo is not allowed to leave the property of his owners, Guy and Elizabeth James, without prior approval of the township’s animal control officer.
Guy James said that he and his family are thrilled with the order.
We “are so ecstatic,” James said. “If you want something badly enough, you go get it. On Tuesday, we shed tears of sorrow and today we’re shedding tears of joy.”He thanked all his supporters who sent messages from around the world and said the fight to clear Congo’s name and have his death sentence reversed is not over.
The Jameses contend Congo should not have been deemed vicious and sentenced to die because he was clearly, but inadvertently, provoked by landscaper Giovanni Rivera in the June 5 incident on the James’s 10-acre fenced-in property.
Municipal Court Judge Russell Annich Jr. had ruled that Congo’s attack was unprovoked.
WOOHOOO!!!!!!! What fantastic news!!!! But remember, as Guy James said, the fight is NOT over!!
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by Kathleen, on November 13 2007 @ 2:28 am
After reading all of the articles regarding this story, I feel that the James family and their dog, Congo are suffering an injustice. The original report was ‘eaten’ by a stray dog left in the cab of the Animal Control Officers truck?! The landscaper’s story has changed three times?!. The prosecutor admits that he thought the landscaper was in it for the money?! Only ONE of the landscapers was bitten - the one who dragged Elizabeth James to the ground. And only after she was dragged to the ground, not when he and the other dogs were being pummeled by the landscaper with a rake. The dog did what his genetics told him to - protect his owner. If he were a police dog and the same thing had occurred to his handler, he would be getting an award for protecting the officer.
by Ted Teodoro, on November 13 2007 @ 8:08 am
I sent an email to the judge’s office yesterday supporting the James family and Congo, arguing that there is a difference between a protective dog and a vicious one. The latter bites people indiscriminately while the former reacts to what it sees as an attack. I also rang the Governor’s office this morning and expressed this same opinion. The lady answering the phone just wanted to keep score of the calls, but I told her my opinion anyway. She admitted that this case has generated a lot of publicity which I interpreted as many calls are coming in. You don’t have to be from New Jersey, like me, to call. Call now ASAP.
by Dog May Die for Protecting Family | Crimes Against Canines | Current Dog News, Tips and Information for You and Your Canine Companion, on November 13 2007 @ 8:27 am
[...] UPDATE - 11/12/07 - Please see the latest update - HERE [...]
by Michelle, on November 13 2007 @ 9:02 am
I am devestated by this and cannot understand why on earth a judge would be so blind as to not see what is going on before their very eyes?? Why on earth should this animal suffer for being a hero in this situation?!?!
by Ted Teodoro, on November 13 2007 @ 10:21 am
I have been emailing different animal shelters in New Jersey to inform them of this opportunity to express their support by calling the Governor’s office and be counted in the Governor’s tally.
Everybody, call or email someone who could be counted.
by Caroline, on November 13 2007 @ 11:18 am
This is unbelievable! Please call in support of Congo also please vote to spare his life here:
http://www.nj1015.com/personalities/casey-rossi.shtm
Thank you.
by Caroline, on November 13 2007 @ 11:31 am
Please if you live close enough show your support for the James family and Congo by coming to a rally at the Princeton Township courthouse on Tuesday, November 13th, at 10 AM.
The address for the Courthouse is 400 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
by Susan, on November 13 2007 @ 12:07 pm
I could not believe it when I read about this dog. I live in Florida, but, I am gonna call your gov. anyway. The dog was just protecting his own.
That was his family and he was intruded on.
***Susan***
by Admin, on November 13 2007 @ 12:51 pm
I have called the office of the Governor and also sent the following email to his office.
They are listening and tracking the phonecalls!!! Email this story to everyone, post it and repost it… get the word out!! We need every voice!!
Deanna
by Karla Blonshine, on November 13 2007 @ 12:52 pm
I’m all for saving Congo!!! He was only protecting his family. I feel that the $250,000 awarded to Giovanni Rivera was quite excessive and now to find out that he is an illegal immigrant, I am OUTRAGED!!!!! He should not have any rights whatsoever in the U.S.A.!!!! He should be deported immediately……..do not pass go and do not collect any money!!! What is wrong with this country?????
by Margaret, on November 13 2007 @ 1:27 pm
I e mailed the judge and called the oiffice of the Governor. I hope someone is listening. This is without a doubt one of the most horrific things I can remember in a long time. To take the life of an animal who was defending his owner and other pack members on his own property staggers me. Did this judge even read or listen to what was said in the dogs defense??????
by Sian, on November 13 2007 @ 1:45 pm
I sent the judge an email as I have been following this case from the UK. It is diabolical that an innocent dog can be sentenced to death like this for doing NOTHING wrong. I am hoping and praying that Congo gets a reprieve.
by John McDonald, on November 13 2007 @ 2:34 pm
This is ridiculous. Someone needs to step in and explain things to these people. I certainly hope the utter absurdity here is not an indicator of New Jersey in general.
by Kath, on November 13 2007 @ 2:38 pm
Fercryinoutloud! Might as well arrest me NOW in that case, for this is part of the reason I HAVE a large and protective dog. Our Vinny has a JOB in this pack. It is to guard and protect, and deter unwanted persons from being on my property without permission. He’s not an “attack” dog, but he will try his best to chase intruders off the property and if I got knocked down by a stranger, you best know that I HOPE he bites them. Stay the hell off my (fenced and gated) property and you have nothing to fear from my dog.
by Joan Doljan, on November 13 2007 @ 2:53 pm
Do not kill Congo for protecting the family he loves and that love him.
by Michele, on November 13 2007 @ 3:46 pm
First of all they are in this country illegally they should not get a dime. Second of all, they where on private property and the dog is doing his job protecting his area/owners. How can a judge be so cruel, and I thought that a animal has to bite/hurt 3 times before being ruled vicious and then destroyed. How is the owner of the company not being fined for having illegal people working for him taking up american born people’s jobs. They would not have gotten bit if they 1 listen to the owner, 2 not been in the is country illegally. So I say save the dog, send them back to there country with no money and give the family there beloved dog that was only doing his job. I commend Congo for a job well done, that’s why we have animals for compainion ship and to protect of family and loved ones.
by Birgit, on November 13 2007 @ 4:37 pm
I can not even believe what I am reading. Where is the common sense. The gardener should be fined. Leave the dog alone.
by Admin, on November 13 2007 @ 5:14 pm
**From Admin - Please note updates posted at the bottom of the story, includes a PETITION and pictures from today’s Rally**
by Deasun, on November 13 2007 @ 5:30 pm
This is nuts!
The dog was doing what I woul expect and WANT him to do.
Protect family!. Those friggen idiots should bloody listen to the owner of the house. And why the hell grab the wife to the ground.
Bah! this world is going nuts.
by Ted Teodoro, on November 13 2007 @ 5:46 pm
Congo’s story and the rally held this morning was the top story on News12 New Jersey tonight. It seems that the local animal control officer is receiving ( more than 100 now ) death threats for his role in the investigation( unfavorable to the Jameses and Congo; the Jameses are suing him for declaring that they intentionally cut the other dog’s snouts to make the raking against them more serious than it really was). The report showed Congo on his back and feet in the air in a very playful attitude when he was visited by the Jameses 2 weeks ago, and the cameras were rolling. The Jameses are appealing the decision and so Congo cannot be euthanized yet. I convinced three people to make the call to the Governor’s office and I sent emails to approximately 8 shelters, encouraging their entire staffs to make the call. News12 NJ will continue to follow this story.
by Christy, on November 13 2007 @ 5:49 pm
I feel This is ANIMAL cruelity!! This is crazy!!! Any dog would do this. My 1-year old Pug does it when I wrestle with my boyfriend. Its a sign of Loyalty and By the STUPID Judge who is ruleing This should get more common SENCE! I don’t mean to sound Like a b*tch but Im tired of hearing about this, LET the dog be with his family and thats it… I would really like to take part in this! Please anyone who knows the family e-mail me so I can contact them and get MORE information.
Christyllauer@yahoo.com
by Caroline, on November 13 2007 @ 6:01 pm
I am still trying to figure out why they did not file trespassing charges against the gardner as he was told not to enter the yard and assault charges for grabbing that woman.
by Rhonda Weishampel, on November 13 2007 @ 6:08 pm
When are we humans going to learn to respect animals? This is truly disturbing. That dog was on his owner’s property, was protecting his mistress, and the landscaper was HITTING THE DOG WITH A RAKE?!!! That man should be charged with cruelty to animals. We have got to quit giving criminals (the landscaper, in my opinion) the breaks and rewards for THEIR WRONG BEHAVIOR. We all pay the price when something goes wrong because someone ALWAYS WANTS TO SUE AND MAKE SOME MOENY FROM MISFORTUNE. That judge has the power to make an example. That dog deserves a medal, not death.
by Admin, on November 13 2007 @ 6:18 pm
I want to thank everyone for all their support for Congo, I hope this will make a difference.
Ted, thanks for the update on the story. I cannot condone the death threats to the Animal Control Waeden, Mr Johnson, but from everything I have read it almost sounds like there is a personal vendetta by him against the Jameses.
I did read the story about what Johnson said and have it posted as well - here
This is a followup on Johnson’s comments from The Political Gateway - published 11/12;
The Jameses plan to sue Princeton Township, N.J., and animal control Officer Mark Johnson for defamation.
Johnson as quoted in a Time of Trenton article makes a number of statements, which since he was not at the scene, cannot be seen as unbiased, IMHO. There’s no doubt that he is, for some reason, completely against Congo and the Jameses.
by Ted Teodoro, on November 13 2007 @ 7:10 pm
As reported in this website, Gov. Corzine will be on public television, Channel 13 in our area, on thursday at 8pm. I will be watching and I will update everyone here on what was said since I don’t think the evening will pass without Congo’s case being raised. I will try to connect and ask a question which right now will be: Now that we know those landscapers are illegal aliens, what do you ( Gov. Corzine ) or state authorities going to do about them? NJ police are required to report illegal aliens to Immigrations, IF THEY ARE ARRESTED, but the two landscapers were not arrested…nevertheless…we know that they are illegal…what now? Another question I would like to ask is when a dog from the K9 unit reacts in the same way as Congo did when his handler is attacked/tackled, would the K9 dog be considered viscious and put to death? It seems there is a double standard in effect here.
by Linda Kleiner, on November 13 2007 @ 7:29 pm
this is incredible - I would hope my own dog would jump in and protect me if someone were to grab and wrestle me to the ground - no matter where if was - on my own property and after there had already been a rake attack . . . you know where I live warranty or not - a toaster must make toast - I believe that to expect a dog to act like anything but a dog is absurd.
Dog’s have been companions to humans since they shared the caveman’s fire . . . many a dog has layed down it’s own life to protect it’s family - both K-9 and human - this is to be expected - what if the husband had come out to find the man pulling his wife to the ground - who would say that was not reason to shoot the intruder - no matter what he was there to do - he clearly was not doing what he came to do.
So the family has had the dog seized, the dog is suffering from being taken from his home, the child has been injured in ways that will not easily made right unless the right thing is done - the family is suffering because their dog did something that for which by all rights he should have been proclaimed a hero - we should be reading wonderful stories in the paper about the bold and loving dog.
But the true guilty party - now he’s got $250,000 he’s still illegal and yet the dog is to pay for his “crime” while he gets of scott-free - WOW - AMERICA - THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY.
All my life I’ve been so proud to be an American - New Jersey is shamed by this decision and by shaming NJ - the US is shamed - what kind of people have we put in authority??
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Mahatma Gandhi - Pretty obvious where we stand now.
We really look bad this must be made right - we can’t decide later that the wrong thing was done.
I terrifies me that people have the power to destroy a family like this.
Linda Kleiner, Frederick MD
by Mandy, on November 13 2007 @ 8:01 pm
This story is so sad. Congo was just protecting his master and he did his job. CONGO, I SAY ” GOOD BOY!” I love this dog, but have never met him. I can only hope that if me or one of my children were attacked by someone, that my dog would react the same way. I would want my dog to protect me, but not get in this kind of situation. Good luck James family and Congo! My prayers are with you, I will say one now.
Mandy
by Amanda, on November 13 2007 @ 9:42 pm
Unbelievable. A wonderful family pet protects his family and is ordered to be killed. If someone was attacking someone I loved, I would attack back. would you be putting me down? I just don’t understand how judges can just order dogs to be put down if they so much as snip someone. This is their only form of protection against harm!! and in this case, this dog was doing the only thing he could do to “protect” his owner. This is something we all hope our dogs would do in a time of need. I think Congo needs an award, not a lethal injection!!!
I wish this family the very best of luck! and to Congo, GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!
by Jim Stacy, on November 14 2007 @ 1:24 am
this is a reason for taking a look at the way elective offices are filled, it seems with out common sence. this should be a non issue, except for the political use of the family for the govonor’s attention. vote that dog, and family hater out of office before he allows another illegal to profit from our unfenced borders.
by Larry Nicola, on November 14 2007 @ 5:53 am
This isn’t right. If someone was threating to hurt your family you’d protect them! Congo was only trying to protect his family. I mean the dog felt the man was going to hurt his owner. That IS his duty I would hope my dog would do the same. My family will have yours in our prayers.
Larry, Ohio
by Marilyn Blenz, on November 14 2007 @ 6:37 am
This is a terrible injustice to the dog and the family. If I was being wrestled to the ground I would not expect my dog ( or husband) to stand by and watch me being raped. This is another case of people out to make some money they don`t deserve. The dog deserves to live. Protecting your owner and puppies is instinctual and CORRECT. Please reconsider.
by Kim, on November 14 2007 @ 8:10 am
Shouldn’t we put emphasis on finding out if these people are legally in the country? I think the priorities are just a “little” screwed up. By condemning this animal, you are condemning part of what it was bred for, loyalty, love, intelligence and protection. I submitted this last night. Can you tell me why it was not posted and why I am typing this again?
by Admin, on November 14 2007 @ 8:27 am
Kim,
Your comment was posted but you commented on the original Congo story -Dog May Die for Protecting Family
Admin
by Vickie Muzar, on November 14 2007 @ 8:44 am
Congo is a loving family pet that sensed his owner was in danger, we humans protect our loved ones and so did Congo. Congo should be returned to his family.
by Enrico Cross, on November 14 2007 @ 8:46 am
I continue to be overwhelmed by the lack of knowledge that people have about dogs. There are so many things about this story that a reasonable person hearing can conclude that these dogs were only protecting their owner and their pups, why couldn’t the judge see that. How in the world can they be deemed vicious for doing their jobs as protectors? I wonder what the judge would say if it was their spouse that had gotten pulled to the ground. The next thing is the idiotic statement by Johnson about raw diet putting aggression in dogs, and he’s the Animal Warden, give me a break. There’s a difference in what happened with these dogs and the incident in CA where the woman was killed, those dogs were vicious, these dogs were protecting the owner and their pups. And then an illegal immigrant being granted a $250,000. Would he have been awarded that money if one of our border patrol dogs had bitten him in a similar manner? What history is there of these dogs doing similar things? This would be a reasonable question to ask in this case, and I don’t see any mention of prior problems with these dogs. It is unfortunate that the incident took place, but it was mostly the fault of Rivera by grabbing the owner and taking her down to the ground. If anything I could see the Jameses offering to pay medical fees but not what was done here.
by Sandy Gillen, on November 14 2007 @ 8:49 am
I truly cannot believe that this is happening in the USA. I am active in AKC conformation and sport events and am a breeder. When are dogs and their responsible owners going to be respected and granted their rights. Congo, as a German Shepherd Dog, is a recognized AKC breed. The GSD is an intelligent and loyal breed. This lovely dog was on his OWN PROPERTY defending a family member and GSD puppies. Any intruder onto PRIVATE PROPERTY that has been told by the owner of the property to WAIT until the dogs are put away, deserves to be stopped!! Congo did his job, and did it well. These workers/illegals should be reported to immegration and certainly not receive a dime. PLEASE do not take the life of the real hero here…Congo. Thank you.
by Liz, on November 14 2007 @ 9:18 am
This is absurd. A dog is sentenced to death for doing something it should have done. My dogs would have done the same thing, but with the size of them, it would have been much worse. The men are here illegally and should be sent away rather then recieveing money. Its amazing how a story can change 3 times and still hold up in court. Disgusting and dissapointing.
by Debbie, on November 14 2007 @ 9:22 am
It would break my heart to see anything happen to Congo! German Shepards are known protectors.
by Donna, on November 14 2007 @ 9:35 am
Again and again–people doing stupid things do not take resposibility for their actions. It’s the “bad” dog who is the real problem. The workers were told to stay in their truck, and stupidly did not do that. The dogs were not necessarly going to attack him–not until he panicked and grabbed the owner. It is a natural instinct for a dog to protect it’s owner/property. Sometimes that instinct only requires a bark or growl; other times it requires more physical intervention. If this was a police dog, he would probably be receiving an award of commendation. Police dogs mainly work from their intincts. This death sentence a typical over reaction by people who do not and who do not want to understand animal behavior. This is an injustice in itself for the judge. This dog deserves to live.
by Ranesa Bodine, on November 14 2007 @ 10:19 am
Where is the justice in all of this? Dogs have instincts. Natural instincts. They are loyal and they want to protect. Congo was doing what came natural to him, he was protecting his home and his family. Did the gardeners not here the dogs barking? Why did they proceed to enter the yard? The next thing you know, robbers will be allowed to sue because they were attacked while attempting to break into your home. Please Please Please right this wrong and free Congo!!
by Jean, on November 14 2007 @ 10:56 am
We have always had German Shepherds! We also have 6 children and have never had any problems with out dogs unless they were provoked! When I say provoked, I mean they were swatted at with larger items or somebody did not repect their territory and acted aggressive towards any member of our family! My dog would have attacked the jerk with the rake and the one that pulled the lady to the ground. That does not mean the he is dangerous, it just means that he will protect hhis family if he feels thery are in danger!!! Also, that illegal should have been deported!!!! Why is he still here, this is clearly another instance of illegals getting more rights that us real AMERICANS in OUR COUNTRY! Throw the illegal out and spare the HERO’S life! Congo should not have to pay for an idiot illegals stupid actions!!!
by Carrie, on November 14 2007 @ 11:18 am
That is STUPID!!! He was proecting his family. The owner warrned them BUT they didn’t listen
by Natalie, on November 14 2007 @ 11:30 am
Please free the dog! German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs! He protected his owner and it was right!!!!
by Bev, on November 14 2007 @ 11:48 am
I, too, feel this dog should be freed. German Shepherds are known to be protective of their owners.
by Denise, on November 14 2007 @ 12:37 pm
If I’m not mistaken, isn’t your backyard private property? Wouldn’t he have been trespassing? Not to mention assulting the homeowner? Who is this judge and how did she/he ever become a judge? The governor should make “it” step down. This is a complete outrage. This situation is wrong in more than one way. The landscaper is ILLEGAL and the dog is LEGAL? Where is the justice in that? And to grant an ILLEGAL immigrant $250,000 is despicable. It is only going back to his country, not into our econmy! DEPORT HIM and let Congo live. He was just doing what any other dog what have done!
by Joan, on November 14 2007 @ 12:41 pm
I also feel that this is completely absurd!! We have Rottweilers and we know that they would react the same way that Congo did if a stranger dragged one of us to the ground!! It even upsets our big male dog when we play with each other, or with the female dog. Those illegals should be immediately deported without any payoff. I’m convinced the payoff is all they care about. We don’t need people like that in this country, ESPECIALLY ILLEGALS!! GET THEM OUT!!!
by Pamela, on November 14 2007 @ 1:41 pm
This is so heartbreaking. We have a GSD - such a noble and soulful breed. I’m following this horribly sad story from Calif. and won’t be able to view the local PBS special. I appreciate any updates you can give here regarding the Gov. and his comments - and hopefully his decision to free Congo. I have written and called his office, as have many of the listers in our GSD group.
by Tracey, on November 14 2007 @ 1:42 pm
I think they should consider these dogs hero’s. I am tired of foreign people doing what they want whenever they want. If you don’t like our country go back to wherever you came from. SAVE CONGO!
by Deborah, on November 14 2007 @ 1:43 pm
Yes, what are they going to do about the gardeners illegal status? Only the family and the dog who was protecting them should be punished? What an absolutely haphazard job by the animal control officer. He couldn’t come up with a better story then “the dog ate my homework”?
I would like to know more about this judge and if they are a pet lover, because they cannot be and make this type of irrational decision. What happened to “reasonable doubt” in this situation? At the very least the judge could have dismissed the case and said the gardener’s story was too contradictory to make a decision.
The judicial system in this country is serious need of some common sense and a major overhaul.
by NJ, on November 14 2007 @ 1:55 pm
FREE THE DOG!!!!!!
by Deborah, on November 14 2007 @ 1:58 pm
We all know what Romney did to his own family dog!!
I hope, if for no other reason, the governor will think of the Romney story and what his own decision concerning Congo could some day do to his political career.
by Susan Willshaw, on November 14 2007 @ 2:24 pm
DON’T KILL CONGO - THE HUMANS WERE IN THE WRONG - YOU WOULDN’T ALLOW THEM TO BE PUT TO DEATH WOULD YOU.
by Judie, on November 14 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Save Congo here:
View the scoop:
http://tinyurl.com/32tfx8
Petition (almost 2,000 signatures so far):
http://tinyurl.com/32tfx8
Contact the judge:
r.annich@princeton-township.nj.us
609-924-5042
Contact the Governor’s office:
609-292-6000
by Ted Teodoro, on November 14 2007 @ 2:43 pm
Folks, we can vent here and that’s fine BUT do not neglect to make that call to Gov. Corzine’s office, or fax your support for Congo. The pertinent numbers are listed above. Thank You.
by michael calomino, on November 14 2007 @ 2:48 pm
How utterly ridiculous to hold a dog responsible for protecting his master and property. The very first thing that should be done is to deport those illegals for defying the owners instructions and allowing the whole incident to happen.
by andrea cammarata, on November 14 2007 @ 2:49 pm
PLEASE DO NOT KILL CONGO!!!! There is ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT in my mind that the workers were completely and utterly in the WRONG! The facts speak for themselves period the end. They were told to wait in their truck and they DID NOT!!! The wife comes home and is tackled to the ground to become a human shield and SOME how the dog was suppose to know why this was happening — he was protecting his owner PERIOD THE END!!!! I mean really…..we would put a dog to sleep for this — NO WAY should this precious animal loose his life and these wonderful people loose their precious pet because of this incident! I am a NJ resisdent BORN and raised and I am embarrassed that this happening in the state I love.
PLEASE SAVE THIS SPECIAL DOGGIE — he deserves to LIVE and ENJOY the rest of his life with his family. I am a rescuer and proud to be one — PLEASE SAVE CONGO.
Thank you — I am hoping and praying that my state does not disappoint me — PLEASE SAVE THIS WONDERFUL BOY!
by Susan, on November 14 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Don’t kill the dog. This is cruel an unusual punishment for an animal that was born in the USA. The dogs not an illegal alien.
by DAS, on November 14 2007 @ 3:02 pm
I read up on your governor, he is a finance man!! Numbers mean something to him! Get the word out!! Post this information on MY SPACE, your local CRAIG’s LISTS, email CNN, FOX NEWS, CBS, and NBC let’s make this a NATIONAL STORY. I have called the governor’s office, posted to all my groups, sent emails, etc. Congo’s story needs to become a NATIONAL STORY!!
by Jeff Nicholls, on November 14 2007 @ 4:22 pm
It is not the animals fault that these two did not listen, the dog was only protecting its owner, perhaps instead of killing the dogs you should deport the illegal aliens.
by Kim, on November 14 2007 @ 4:29 pm
My husband said he heard on the radio that there is a lot more to the story than is being told.
Does this dog already have a bite history?
Has it been allowed to run loose and already have complaints against it?
Was the family offered the dog back under certain circumstances and refused?
I would like to know how an illegal can get money from an insurance company. Will he pay taxs on that? What about the company he worked for? Are they aware he is here illegally? Taking Americans jobs?
I am curious what els is going on, I was under the impression there is a bite rule. No dog gets destroyed for one bite.
I hope everyone writes and calls, and spreads this story all over.
by Carolyn Kurtz, on November 14 2007 @ 4:31 pm
Please save this dog!
by mindy hernandez, on November 14 2007 @ 4:38 pm
I think the dog was trying protect his owner
and he a good dog and he should keep being a
good dog dont kill the dog.
by Admin, on November 14 2007 @ 4:54 pm
Kim, from all the information that I’ve gathered, Congo has no background of bites or getting loose. Guy James even has a full file of affidavits from contractors and others attesting to the dog’s friendliness and wonderful behavior.
The Jameses were offered a plea but turned it down on principal. The following is a quote from Times of Trenton